Sarangani: The Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday expressed sorrow and solidarity with those affected by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Sarangani province and other parts of Mindanao on Monday morning.

According to Philippines News Agency, CBCP president Gilbert Garcera assured that they are one with the families of those who perished from the powerful tremor. "In moments such as these, we are reminded that the Church is called to be a sign of hope and a witness of charity. As one family in Christ, we cannot remain indifferent to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. Their pain is our pain; their loss is our loss," the Lipa archbishop added.

He asked members of the clergy and the faithful to offer prayers for the victims of the tremor. Churches are also asked to conduct a second collection during Sunday Masses on June 14 for the quake victims. "The proceeds of this collection may be transmitted through the diocesan social action centers and Caritas Philippines to support the emergency relief and rehabilitation efforts for our affected brothers and sisters," he said.

Authorities reported that at least 37 people have died and hundreds have been injured when the tremor jolted the city.